[turnpike]

I've got a 2 year old braeburn apple tree and although I'm not worried about getting any fruit yet (no flowering at all this year), I am a bit concerned that up to about a third of the leaves seem to curl and get a lot of white powder (mildew?) on them.

Now that the tree is a year older it seems to be coping with the problem better, but even so, does anyone know a good way to treat it? Other than just picking the worst ones off as I'm doing?

Thanks!

[Trillium]

Is this what you see on your leaves?

http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ipm/alcm/research.html

If so, it's a problem found on young and young grafted trees. Use your favourite bug spray along with a few drops of lemon scented dishwash soap (bugs hate lemon) and spray.
The white powder problem is very typical of powdery mildew which is caused by the tree being too dry. It sounds wrong but that's exactly what it is. Carefully drive a long spike into the ground in various areas around the tree (and try not to hit any roots), and then water often. The spike holes will help more water reach the deeper root areas. Per watering, try to add about 5 buckets of water per tree at a time so it goes down deep rather than shallow which will create more shallow roots and a bigger problem for the tree.

[turnpike]

Thanks.  I'm not sure that the curling is quite like that photo.  I haven't seen those red bits and the curling is in one go rather than the edges only if you see what I mean.  Perhaps the curling is just young leaves and not a problem.  I'm guessing it's powdery mildew it's got and thanks for the watering advice.  I'll try to keep on top of it.

[Trillium]

Okay, then the leaf curling is another type of bug which cocoons itself in the rollup. I forget what the bug's name is but that happens a lot on younger trees due to their more tender leaves. The tree will eventually grow out of it, but either unroll and squash or spray insecticidal soap on them to discourage the population.

[turnpike]

Thanks Trillium.  I've had a look this evening and the tree does seem to be coping better now it's a year older but there's definitely a bit of curling and powder/fungi going on, it comes off on my hand so as you say I'll just bug spray and also just wash it off.  I've been pulling the odd leaf off but I think a wipe/wash might save those ones too.

Cheers!